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Chapter Seventy One

Author: Love Egbejale
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-18 18:36:15

Two weeks after the baby shower and just days before Rafael’s second trial, Caesar pulled into the circular driveway of his house and turned off the engine.

“We’re here,” he said, glancing at Amaliah with a soft smile.

She gave him a curious look. “Okay… but why the secrecy?”

“You’ll see. Come on.”

He helped her out of the car and led her inside, one hand gently supporting the small of her back. They walked through the quiet halls and up the grand staircase.

“Caesar…” she started, but he just shook his head with a teasing grin.

“No peeking,” he said, stopping in front of a closed white door. He turned the handle slowly and pushed it open.

Amaliah’s breath caught in her throat.

The room was bathed in soft, natural light from the large windows. The walls were painted a calming shade of sky blue with tiny golden stars scattered across the ceiling. Two white cribs stood side by side against one wall, each draped with a sheer canopy.

Above them, wooden name signs read Noah and Nathaniel.
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  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Two

    It was late afternoon when the door to Amaliah’s hospital room creaked open once more. Caesar turned from his chair beside her bed, where he’d been quietly watching her and the twins sleep. Standing in the doorway was his mother, Charlotte Masterson, her eyes already misty before she even stepped inside.“Oh, my stars,” she whispered, placing a gloved hand over her chest. “Are those my grandsons?”Amaliah stirred at the sound of her voice, smiling sleepily. “Hi, Charlotte.”After the heartfelt conversation Caesar had with his mother not long ago, he’d introduced her to Amaliah. Surprisingly, the two women had clicked instantly—a connection that filled Caesar with joy. Since then, Amaliah, Carlotta, and Charlotte had become regulars on long three-way phone calls, their bond growing stronger by the day.Charlotte stepped forward, making no attempt to hide the tears now slipping freely down her cheeks. “You two… you’ve done something extraordinary.”The twins lay nestled in their bassin

    Last Updated : 2025-04-20
  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Three

    The courtroom was quiet, too quiet. It wasn’t the silence of peace—it was the silence of something long-awaited. Heavy. Sharp-edged.Rafael Rivers stood at the defendant’s table, clad in a neatly pressed gray suit that hung a little looser than it used to. He’d lost weight. His face, once charming and confident, had hardened into something unrecognizable.Beside him, his attorney murmured something low under his breath, but Rafael didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed straight ahead—on the bench, on Judge Danetta Myles, the woman who held his fate in her hands.She shuffled a few papers, adjusted her glasses, and looked up with that same piercing calm she’d maintained throughout the trial. “This court is now in session.”The murmur in the gallery faded instantly. Cameras weren’t allowed, but that didn’t stop the press from flooding the hallways outside. The name Rafael Rivers had gone from business columns to crime headlines. Today, that name would be sealed in court records—attached to

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22
  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Four

    The night bloomed like a dream—soft music floated in the air, and laughter danced through the garden blending with the soft music in the background. The long table was adorned with Caesar’s favorite dishes: grilled lamb skewers, fragrant saffron rice, creamy sweet corn soufflé, and decadent chocolate mousse waiting for dessert to end the evening. The girls played freely on the lawn, their giggles mixing with the sound of glasses clinking, while the adults relaxed beneath strings of glowing fairy lights.But Caesar’s mind wasn’t on the food, or the lights, or the laughter. His eyes kept drifting to her.“I actually have a surprise too,” he said suddenly, turning to Amaliah.Amaliah turned toward him, curiosity lighting up her features. “You do?”He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yes.”“What is it?” she asked, scanning the garden for a hint.As the music slowed and the stars shimmered brighter overhead, Caesar stood up. The chatter faded. Gently, he took Amaliah’s hand, pr

    Last Updated : 2025-04-23
  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Five

    Five months laterThe garden courtyard behind the church had been transformed into a dream suspended in early spring. Wisteria vines curled lazily around the old stone arches, and fresh blossoms peeked out from the hedges as if drawn to the soft notes of the piano drifting through the air. Above, strings of fairy lights hung like stars waiting for dusk, and the scent of roses lingered with every breeze.At the entrance to the garden, a welcome table had been set — rustic wood topped with vintage frames holding photographs of Amaliah and Caesar through the years. A hand-painted sign rested beside them, reading “Welcome to the beginning of forever,” in soft cursive. A nearby chair had been decorated with florals — a quiet tribute to someone dear, watching from heaven.Rows of wooden chairs, draped in ivory fabric and tied with sage ribbons, faced a grand floral arch that stood proudly at the far end of the courtyard. It was built from natural wood and wrapped in cascading arrangements

    Last Updated : 2025-04-24
  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Six

    “Dearly beloved,” began Amaliah’s father, the officiant, his voice warm and full of grace. “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate one of life’s most cherished moments—the union of two souls in marriage. This is more than a ceremony; it is a promise. A vow of love, trust, and choosing one another—every day, for the rest of their lives.”He turned his gaze to Caesar and Amaliah, a soft smile on his face. “Caesar and Amaliah, your story is one of resilience. Of finding light in darkness. Of healing side by side. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—not as two, but as one.”With a gentle nod, he said, “Caesar, you may now share your vows.”Caesar turned to Amaliah, taking her hands into his. The garden courtyard seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them suspended in the moment.“Amaliah… from the moment I met you, I saw light in a world that had long been shadowed. You weren’t mine to love then, but my heart chose you anyway.I watched you give your love even

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  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Seven

    The night was beginning to settle, its final notes lingering in the air. Guests lined the garden path, sparklers in hand, their laughter and cheers rising with every shimmering flicker of light.Amaliah had changed into a soft satin dress that caught the moonlight with every step, her hair now pinned loosely, her heels exchanged for something easier, more comfortable. Caesar’s tie hung undone around his neck, his jacket tossed over one shoulder. But his smile—his smile was unwavering.Hand in hand, they moved through a glowing tunnel of celebration. Their daughters darted ahead, waving sparklers like comets through the night. Friends clapped, family cheered, and somewhere in the flurry of joy, someone called out, "Happily ever after starts now!"At the end of the path, a vintage cream-colored convertible awaited them, adorned with delicate white flowers and a hand-painted sign that simply said: Just Married.Caesar opened the door and helped Amaliah into the passenger seat before slid

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  • A Second Chance   Epilogue

    One Year LaterThe Masterson estate felt warmer now.Perhaps it was the way the sun poured through the wide windows each morning, or how laughter—soft and steady—had woven itself into the home's rhythm. Maybe it was the scent of Amaliah’s favorite vanilla candle, always burning somewhere within the house. Or maybe it was simply the love that had settled in, staying for good.Caesar walked in from the garden, dirt on his hands and a faint smudge on his cheek. He had just finished helping the girls build a treehouse—a weekend project that had taken on a life of its own. He smiled as he looked around for her.He found her in the kitchen, standing by the sink, her hair pulled up messily, holding a pregnancy test in her hands.She looked up when she heard him. Her eyes shimmered with something soft—something he knew well.“What’s that?” he asked, stepping closer and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.She handed him the test, her hands trembling slightly.He stared down at it.Two l

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  • A Second Chance   Prologue

    "For dust we are, and unto dust, we shall return. May the soul of our dearly departed brother, son, father and friend rest in peace.” The priest’s voice reverberated in the otherwise quiet cemetery. Amaliah’s gray eyes were glazed over; raw, dull and full of grief. She was in shock, and she would’ve collapsed on the floor and rolled into the freshly dug grave if it was not for her mother’s firm grip on her arm and her friend's support on her other side. She reached up and ran her hands through her loose ponytail, raking her fingers over her scalp. She didn't care if she bled, all she wanted was the pain and relief that came with doing that. The scrunchie she had put in place to hold her hair came off, and her lush brown hair cascaded down her shoulders. Her limbs were stiff and her legs threatened to give way under her. A dizzying feeling washed over her and bile rose in her throat. The coffin was lowered into the open grave, and Amaliah started to tremble. The priest grabbed a

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Latest chapter

  • A Second Chance   Epilogue

    One Year LaterThe Masterson estate felt warmer now.Perhaps it was the way the sun poured through the wide windows each morning, or how laughter—soft and steady—had woven itself into the home's rhythm. Maybe it was the scent of Amaliah’s favorite vanilla candle, always burning somewhere within the house. Or maybe it was simply the love that had settled in, staying for good.Caesar walked in from the garden, dirt on his hands and a faint smudge on his cheek. He had just finished helping the girls build a treehouse—a weekend project that had taken on a life of its own. He smiled as he looked around for her.He found her in the kitchen, standing by the sink, her hair pulled up messily, holding a pregnancy test in her hands.She looked up when she heard him. Her eyes shimmered with something soft—something he knew well.“What’s that?” he asked, stepping closer and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.She handed him the test, her hands trembling slightly.He stared down at it.Two l

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Seven

    The night was beginning to settle, its final notes lingering in the air. Guests lined the garden path, sparklers in hand, their laughter and cheers rising with every shimmering flicker of light.Amaliah had changed into a soft satin dress that caught the moonlight with every step, her hair now pinned loosely, her heels exchanged for something easier, more comfortable. Caesar’s tie hung undone around his neck, his jacket tossed over one shoulder. But his smile—his smile was unwavering.Hand in hand, they moved through a glowing tunnel of celebration. Their daughters darted ahead, waving sparklers like comets through the night. Friends clapped, family cheered, and somewhere in the flurry of joy, someone called out, "Happily ever after starts now!"At the end of the path, a vintage cream-colored convertible awaited them, adorned with delicate white flowers and a hand-painted sign that simply said: Just Married.Caesar opened the door and helped Amaliah into the passenger seat before slid

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Six

    “Dearly beloved,” began Amaliah’s father, the officiant, his voice warm and full of grace. “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate one of life’s most cherished moments—the union of two souls in marriage. This is more than a ceremony; it is a promise. A vow of love, trust, and choosing one another—every day, for the rest of their lives.”He turned his gaze to Caesar and Amaliah, a soft smile on his face. “Caesar and Amaliah, your story is one of resilience. Of finding light in darkness. Of healing side by side. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—not as two, but as one.”With a gentle nod, he said, “Caesar, you may now share your vows.”Caesar turned to Amaliah, taking her hands into his. The garden courtyard seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them suspended in the moment.“Amaliah… from the moment I met you, I saw light in a world that had long been shadowed. You weren’t mine to love then, but my heart chose you anyway.I watched you give your love even

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Five

    Five months laterThe garden courtyard behind the church had been transformed into a dream suspended in early spring. Wisteria vines curled lazily around the old stone arches, and fresh blossoms peeked out from the hedges as if drawn to the soft notes of the piano drifting through the air. Above, strings of fairy lights hung like stars waiting for dusk, and the scent of roses lingered with every breeze.At the entrance to the garden, a welcome table had been set — rustic wood topped with vintage frames holding photographs of Amaliah and Caesar through the years. A hand-painted sign rested beside them, reading “Welcome to the beginning of forever,” in soft cursive. A nearby chair had been decorated with florals — a quiet tribute to someone dear, watching from heaven.Rows of wooden chairs, draped in ivory fabric and tied with sage ribbons, faced a grand floral arch that stood proudly at the far end of the courtyard. It was built from natural wood and wrapped in cascading arrangements

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Four

    The night bloomed like a dream—soft music floated in the air, and laughter danced through the garden blending with the soft music in the background. The long table was adorned with Caesar’s favorite dishes: grilled lamb skewers, fragrant saffron rice, creamy sweet corn soufflé, and decadent chocolate mousse waiting for dessert to end the evening. The girls played freely on the lawn, their giggles mixing with the sound of glasses clinking, while the adults relaxed beneath strings of glowing fairy lights.But Caesar’s mind wasn’t on the food, or the lights, or the laughter. His eyes kept drifting to her.“I actually have a surprise too,” he said suddenly, turning to Amaliah.Amaliah turned toward him, curiosity lighting up her features. “You do?”He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yes.”“What is it?” she asked, scanning the garden for a hint.As the music slowed and the stars shimmered brighter overhead, Caesar stood up. The chatter faded. Gently, he took Amaliah’s hand, pr

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Three

    The courtroom was quiet, too quiet. It wasn’t the silence of peace—it was the silence of something long-awaited. Heavy. Sharp-edged.Rafael Rivers stood at the defendant’s table, clad in a neatly pressed gray suit that hung a little looser than it used to. He’d lost weight. His face, once charming and confident, had hardened into something unrecognizable.Beside him, his attorney murmured something low under his breath, but Rafael didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed straight ahead—on the bench, on Judge Danetta Myles, the woman who held his fate in her hands.She shuffled a few papers, adjusted her glasses, and looked up with that same piercing calm she’d maintained throughout the trial. “This court is now in session.”The murmur in the gallery faded instantly. Cameras weren’t allowed, but that didn’t stop the press from flooding the hallways outside. The name Rafael Rivers had gone from business columns to crime headlines. Today, that name would be sealed in court records—attached to

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy Two

    It was late afternoon when the door to Amaliah’s hospital room creaked open once more. Caesar turned from his chair beside her bed, where he’d been quietly watching her and the twins sleep. Standing in the doorway was his mother, Charlotte Masterson, her eyes already misty before she even stepped inside.“Oh, my stars,” she whispered, placing a gloved hand over her chest. “Are those my grandsons?”Amaliah stirred at the sound of her voice, smiling sleepily. “Hi, Charlotte.”After the heartfelt conversation Caesar had with his mother not long ago, he’d introduced her to Amaliah. Surprisingly, the two women had clicked instantly—a connection that filled Caesar with joy. Since then, Amaliah, Carlotta, and Charlotte had become regulars on long three-way phone calls, their bond growing stronger by the day.Charlotte stepped forward, making no attempt to hide the tears now slipping freely down her cheeks. “You two… you’ve done something extraordinary.”The twins lay nestled in their bassin

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy One

    Two weeks after the baby shower and just days before Rafael’s second trial, Caesar pulled into the circular driveway of his house and turned off the engine.“We’re here,” he said, glancing at Amaliah with a soft smile.She gave him a curious look. “Okay… but why the secrecy?”“You’ll see. Come on.”He helped her out of the car and led her inside, one hand gently supporting the small of her back. They walked through the quiet halls and up the grand staircase.“Caesar…” she started, but he just shook his head with a teasing grin.“No peeking,” he said, stopping in front of a closed white door. He turned the handle slowly and pushed it open.Amaliah’s breath caught in her throat.The room was bathed in soft, natural light from the large windows. The walls were painted a calming shade of sky blue with tiny golden stars scattered across the ceiling. Two white cribs stood side by side against one wall, each draped with a sheer canopy. Above them, wooden name signs read Noah and Nathaniel.

  • A Second Chance   Chapter Seventy

    A few weeks later At Caesar’s gentle insistence, Amaliah began her maternity leave. She’d tied up the final details of her project, sent the report to his office, and quietly stepped away from work — a pause she hadn't realized she needed until now. As always, the temporary driver Caesar had arranged was waiting to take her home, punctual and discreet, a small part of the care he wrapped around her like a second skin.Today felt different — brighter, softer, like something beautiful was waiting just around the corner. Sheila had planned a surprise baby shower for her, carefully stitching joy and love into every detail. What Sheila didn’t know was that Amaliah had already found out… and she was quietly, deeply moved.Her hand rested on the swell of her belly, feeling the gentle rhythm of the two little lives growing inside her. They were her miracles — unexpected, overwhelming, and loved more than words could hold. And Caesar… he had been there through every moment, steady and unwav

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